Clumpy Langmuir waves in type III radio sources

A model is developed for the clumpy Langmuir waves observed in type III source regions. In this model the waves are generated by instability of a beam which propagates outward from the Sun in a state close to marginal stability. Ambient density perturbations cause fluctuations about the marginally stable state, leading to nonuniformities in both beam and waves and, hence, to spatially inhomogeneous growth. High damping rates and high wave levels are strongly anti-correlated, leading to suppression of the net damping. Below saturation stochastic growth causes the waves to follow a random walk in the logarithm of their energy density and the resulting probability of observing a field of magnitude E is approximately proportional to E ^-1. Comparison with observations shows that this model can account for the levels and clumpiness of the Langmuir waves, the small net dissipation required for the beams to propagate to 1 AU, the characteristic decay time of type III electromagnetic emission, and the negative mean growth rate observed in situ in type III sources. At 1 AU only the very highest fields approach the threshold for nonlinear wave collapse, but this threshold may be more commonly exceeded closer to the Sun.     

TRENDS IN LATIN AMERICANIST GEOGRAPHY IN THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA

The question of what lies ahead is of particular concern for Latin Americanists. The last decade has witnessed a serious erosion of both the popularity of their specialty, and an equally troublesome reduction in employment opportunities. This paper uses Association of American Geographers (AAG) data bases to document the age-gender structure of contemporary Latin Americanist geographers, and projects likely compositional changes through the end of the century.     

A study of type V solar radio bursts

A model for the solar Type V event is developed. This model assumes that the basic difference between Type III and Type V bursts is the evolution of the electron beam. For a Type V this beam rapidly elongates, so that it takes progressively longer times to pass higher plasma levels. Physical process influencing the beam development, including Coulomb collisions, non-linear interactions with Langmuir waves and wave-particle scattering from various hydromagnetic wave modes is discussed. The model is compared with previously derived models and with observations.Operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc. under contract with the National Science Foundation.     

Mode coupling due to twisting of magnetic field lines

A new approach to the theory of mode coupling in an inhomogeneous, birefringent medium is used to treat mode coupling in a magnetized plasma with a twisted magnetic field. The twist introduces a resonance, corresponding to the rate of twisting being equal to the rate of generalized Faraday rotation. When this resonance occurs it introduces a new regime of strong mode coupling. The implications of this regime are discussed in connection with the long-standing problem in solar radiophysics that mode coupling appears to be stronger than theory implies, but no obvious resolution of the problem is found.     

Global survey of color variations on 433 Eros: Implications for regolith processes and asteroid environments

High-resolution imaging acquired with the Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous Shoemaker (NEAR Shoemaker) spacecraft is used to elucidate the spectral properties and spatial distribution of color units on Asteroid 433 Eros. Previous workers mapped four distinct types of color units on the surface (bright streaks, dark soils, ponded materials, average regolith). These units exhibit albedo and color boundaries but there is no evidence to indicate they represent distinct rock types. Rather the units are thought to show evidence of complex regolith transport and sorting processes. Here we report the results of a comprehensive study of all viable color MultiSpectral Imager (MSI) data to identify and characterize the distribution and nature of color units across the whole asteroid. Due to a spacecraft upset that resulted in contamination of the MSI optics, color images are affected with a scattered light problem that hampers interpretation of subtle color contrasts, even after a rigorous remediation. To constrain interpretations of the MSI color data we characterize this residual scattered light and demonstrate how complete correction would affect derived color ratios. Results of our comprehensive study are consistent with previous mapping—confirming that bright streaks, average regolith and dark soils fall on a mixing line, consistent with space weathering effects. We find that the ponded deposits do not fall on this putative mixing line. The color and reflectance of the ponded deposits are consistent with some combination of compositional, grain size and maturity variations from the average regolith. Additionally we show that spectral separation of the four units on ratio plots would only increase with full removal of residual scattered light, especially for features that are small in terms of pixels. Global analysis of the Eros color units illustrates complex regolith processes and grain sorting that may hold clues to understanding space weathering processes and the link between asteroids and meteorites.     

Navigating the Complex Trade-Offs of Pesticide Use on Santa Cruz Island,Galapagos

Pesticide use by farmers on Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos—a perceived adaptation to changing ecological and economic dynamics—has the potential to lead to environmental degradation in an area that is known and valued worldwide for its biodiversity. We survey Santa Cruz farmers to understand motivations for and concerns about pesticide use on the island. Results from farmer surveys are supplemented with interview data to develop the case study of pesticide use on Santa Cruz Island. We then apply a “complex trade-off” framework to explore and navigate the tensions between conservation and livelihoods. We conclude by elaborating the implementation of a participatory certification system, the Participatory Guarantee System, as a possible path for reconciling trade-offs in Santa Cruz, Galapagos.